Ambassador Program

The Dean's Ambassador Program is a leadership and student success initiative aimed at developing high-achieving public policy students and actively building the School’s brand profile. As part of the Office of External Engagemen at the UCR School of Public Policy, ambassadors are cream-of-the-crop public policy students who serve as brand advocates, outreach marketers, event staff, and role models to their peers. They design community engagement events such as seminars, community service events, and mixers, among others. Candidates undergo a highly selective interview process in the summer, and rigorous onboarding and training in the fall quarter.

Ambassador Program Video

Student Affairs Website

Apply to the Ambassador Program

Benefits of Being an Ambassador
- trainings on information dissemination skills (i.e. email marketing, graphic design, social media, etc.) and community engagement tools (i.e. event management) useful for public affairs careers
- potentially qualifies for the PBPL 198i requirement as a public affairs internship (must put in 120 hours minimum for the year)
- personal branding, leadership, and management development opportunities
- public speaking development opportunities (i.e. emceeing, presenting, impromptu speaking, etc.)
- opportunities to learn from and interact with policy professionals (i.e. via staffing of policy makers, practitioners, researchers)
- serving as the student face of the School in marketing materials
- receiving branded gear exclusive to ambassadors
- potential for special graduation-related recognition
- potential for letters of recommendation for the most qualified ambassadors
Selection Guidelines
- Applicants must be declared UCR undergraduate public policy students (both majors and minors - freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors expecting to remain a fifth year) or Master of Public Policy (MPP) students.
- All applicants must have a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA.
  - For undergraduates, exceptions can be made for students who compensate with high public policy/upper division major GPAs and/or whose transcripts do not include any Ds or Fs from the past year. Transcripts from previous higher education institutions are taken into account for undergraduate transfer students.

Ambassador Testimonials

"If you are looking for an outside of the classroom experience that gives you first hand experience in policy work, this program is for you. As an ambassador, not only are you surrounded by like minded students, but you are able to interact with faculty who are doing great work for the community and have opportunities to connect with community members that are focusing on addressing the region's most pressing issues such as poverty, climate, and social justice. The level of professionalism that is exhibited in this program allows you to put your learning to the test and puts you at the forefront of branding the school of public policy through social engagement and project management. Being a part of this program allows you to be a part of a select few who have a passion for policy and want the field to become a premiere program within the Inland Empire and UC system."

Alfredo Barcenas, MPP '21

"The ambassador program encouraged me to break from my comfort zone and seek discomfort. I enjoyed continuously challenging myself and focusing on refinement. Thanks to the Dean's Ambassador Program mentorship and skill-building opportunities, I've smoothly transitioned into the professional workplace post-graduation."

Andrea Rayas '21

"The ambassador program has helped me grow both academically and professionally. To me, the program is about teamwork and unity. It’s about setting goals and working alongside leaders in order to achieve them, as well as refining ourselves to grow individually. Serving as a dedicated role model and mentor to my peers is the most rewarding experience."

Ranika Baghoomian '17

Questions

For questions about the ambassador program, please contact the Director of External Engagement.